Charles Eames and Ray Eames were the embodiment of the inventiveness, energy and optimism at the heart of mid-century modern American design, and have been recognized as the most influential designers of the 20th century. The Eameses were lovers of folk craft who had a genius for making highly original chairs, tables, case pieces and other furniture using traditional materials and forms.
As furniture designers, filmmakers, artists, textile and graphic designers and even toy and puzzle makers, the Eameses were a visionary and effective force for the notion that design should be an agent of positive change. They are the happy, ever-curious, ever-adventurous faces of modernism.
Charles Eames (1907–78) studied architecture and industrial design. Ray Eames (née Beatrice Alexandra Kaiser, 1912–88) was an artist, who studied under the Abstract Expressionist painter Hans Hofmann. They met in 1940 at the Cranbrook Academy of Art in suburban Detroit (the legendary institution where Charles also met his frequent collaborator Eero Saarinen and the artist and designer Harry Bertoia) and married the next year.
His technical skills and her artistic flair were wonderfully complementary. They moved to Los Angeles in 1941, where Charles worked on set design for MGM. In the evenings at their apartment, they experimented with molded plywood using a handmade heat-and-pressurization device they called the “Kazam!” machine. The next year, they won a contract from the U.S. Navy for lightweight plywood leg splints for wounded servicemen — vintage Eames splints are coveted collectibles today; more so those that Ray used to make sculptures.
The Navy contract allowed Charles to open a professional studio, and the attention-grabbing plywood furniture the firm produced prompted George Nelson, the director of design of the furniture-maker Herman Miller Inc., to enlist Charles and (by association, if not by contract) Ray in 1946. Some of the first Eames items to emerge from Herman Miller are now classics: the Eames chair, the LCW, or Lounge Chair Wood, and the DCM, or Dining Chair Metal, supported by tubular steel.
The Eameses eagerly embraced new technology and materials, and one of their peculiar talents was to imbue their supremely modern design with references to folk traditions.
Their Wire chair group of the 1950s, for example, was inspired by basket weaving techniques. The populist notion of “good design for all” drove their molded fiberglass chair series that same decade, and also produced the organic-form, ever-delightful La Chaise. In 1956 the Eames lounge chair and ottoman appeared — the supremely comfortable plywood-base-and-leather-upholstery creation that will likely live in homes as long as there are people with good taste and sense.
Charles Eames once said, “The role of the designer is that of a very good, thoughtful host anticipating the needs of his guests.” For very good collectors and thoughtful interior designers, a piece of design by the Eameses, the closer produced to original conception the better, is almost de rigueur — for its beauty and comfort, and not least as a tribute to the creative legacy and enduring influence of Charles and Ray Eames.
The original Eames furniture for sale on 1stDibs includes chairs, tables, case pieces and other items.
Charles Eames, Lounge Chair in black leather by Herman Miller
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Argelato, BO
Eames Lounge is probably one of the most famous armchair designs in the world. The design couple Charles and Ray Eames designed it in 1956 for Herman Miller. It was the first chair ...
Leather, Wood, Walnut
Herman Miller Eames DAX Fiberglass Chair
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Gorgeous and rare hue of red orange on this vintage fiberglass Herman Miller Eames armchair. Model DAX with H base. All shock mounts intact. Stamped Herman Miller under chair and gua...
Fiberglass
$880Sale Price|20% Off
1960s Herman Miller Eames Aluminum Group Lounge Chair
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Las Vegas, NV
This is an original Iconic Eames Aluminum Group Lounge Chair designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller in 1958. It was produced...
Metal, Aluminum
1993 Herman Miller Eames Soft Pad Lounge Chair
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Fantastic Eames Soft Pad lounge Chair and Ottoman with black leather. Unusual dark graphite frame makes this an unusual find. Also known as mo...
Leather
Multiple Eames Aluminum Group EA106 Dining Chairs in Black Netweave Mesh, Vitra
By Charles and Ray Eames, Vitra, Charles Eames
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Comfortable dining and/or conference chair EA106 belonging to the iconic Aluminium Series designed by Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller (US) / Vitra (EU). Comfort is guaranteed w...
Aluminum, Chrome
Eames Early Label Armshell Chair by Herman Miller
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Cincinnati, OH
An elephant gray green toned fiberglass armshell chair with satin black iron X-base, rubber and metal boot feet , large early shock mounts and the red second generation decal label w...
Fiberglass
Herman Miller DAT Executive armchair Designed by Charles & Ray Eames
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Offenburg, Baden Wurthemberg
Herman Miller DAT fibre plastic armchair on office base, Designed by Charles & Ray Eames in 1948. Off-white fibre plastic armshell, DAT shivel base equipped with tilt function,...
Aluminum
Midcentury Eames for Herman Miller Fiberglass Chair LAX on X Base
By Charles and Ray Eames, Charles Eames, Herman Miller
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Gorgeous early Eames for Herman Miller fiberglass chair LAX (Low Armchair on X Base) having large shock mounts and flat edge shell. All origina...
Iron
Mid Century Eames for Herman Miller Black Tandem Sling Seating 1990s
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Detroit, MI
This classic mid century modern Eames Tandem Sling Seat is circa 1990. This stand-alone set features a four-seat configuration with original black Naugahyde fabric suspended seats and heavy cast aluminum frame. Released to the market in 1962, the Eames Tandem Sling Seating range was specifically designed for public spaces and commercial use and originally used in airports, hence also known as Eames Airport Seating...
Aluminum, Steel
$21,300Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Eames Vitra La Chaise Chair, Original, Fiberglass First Generation, 1992
By Vitra, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Charles and Ray designed the iconic "La Chaise" lounge chair for The Museum of Modern Art’s 1948 International Competition for Furniture Design. Its name references both its functio...
Stainless Steel
2012 Herman Miller Eames Aluminum Group Management Desk Chair w/ Pneumatic Base
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Eames Aluminum Group Management Desk Chair, model EA335, initially designed by Ray and Charles Eames for Herman Miller in 1958. This particular example dates to 2012. The ...
Fabric, Foam
Eames Early Rope Edge Lounge Chair for Herman Miller
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A very early 1st generation rope edge rare lounge height fiberglass arm shell chair with the larger rubber shock mounts having metal washers and satin black iron X base. The chair st...
Iron
Compact Sofa By Ray And Charles Eames For Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This Mid-Century Modern Compact sofa was designed by the iconic American husband-and-wife design team Ray and Charles Eames for Herman Miller in 1954. The Compact model was originall...
Steel, Chrome
Charles and Ray Eames Zenith Rope Edge Fiberglass Armchair
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Brooklyn, NY
First-generation Zenith armchair designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller. This early Greige fiberglass shell has developed an unusually warm tone over decades of use, giv...
Fiberglass
Eames Leather Lounge Chair by Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in New York, NY
This is an original Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman, models 670 and 671, designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1956. This set dates to circa 1970 and has Brazilian rosewood shells.
Metal, Aluminum
Eames "Baby Rocker" RAR by Herman Miller
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Highland, IN
If an employee of Herman Miller were to have a child, they were given an Eames "RAR" rocking chair to rock the newborn. It would be marked with a small placard commemorating the name...
Zinc
Eames Dowel Leg Wire Chair for Herman Miller, 1950s
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Iconic Eames wire side chair with dowel leg base, designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller. This example features a black enameled steel wire seat and back, mounted on th...
Metal
Eames La Fonda Armchair on Casters by Herman Miller, 1970s
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Dronten, NL
A striking vintage La Fonda armchair by Charles and Ray Eames, dating from the 1970s. Designed as part of the celebrated La Fonda series, this chair combines the sculptural form of a...
Aluminum, Steel
Original 1960s Production Eames Lounge Chair For Herman Miller
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Shepperton, Surrey
An exceptional early example Eames Lounge Chair by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller, dating from the 1960s. This piece features the highly desirable feather down-filled cushi...
Leather, Rosewood
Gorgeous Avocado Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Not a color you see often! A classic Eames lounge chair and ottoman with vintage wood and metal components outfitted in brand new leather cushions in Avocado shade. 3-4 week producti...
Leather
Set of 6 Eames PSC Chairs for Herman Miller with Upholstery
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Chicago, IL
Charles and Ray Eames PSC chairs for Herman Miller Set of six circa 1980s with stitched beige color upholstery. Manufacturers stamp on underside of she...
Fiberglass
Original 1970s Production Eames Lounge Chair For Herman Miller
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Shepperton, Surrey
An original 1970s Eames Lounge Chair by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller. This is a particularly elegant example, dating to the mid-1970s and executed in richly figured Brazi...
Leather, Rosewood
Herman Miller Eames RAR Rocking Chair
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage Eames molded fiberglass shell in the fairest color of them all, Seafoam Green. Original top circa late 1950s-early 1960s. On later metal and wood base, in good condition with...
Fiberglass
Charles and Ray Eames 671 Ottoman
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Charles and ray Eames 671 ottoman 1950s issue Original rosewood shell and down filled leather cushion.
Rosewood
Stunning Eames lounge chair set & ottoman by Ray & Charles Eames - Herman Miller
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Buggenhout, Oost-Vlaanderen
Eames Lounge Chair 670 & Ottoman 671 Set by Charles & Ray Eames, Herman Miller, 1990sBlack Patinated Leather Lounge Chairs on Ash Black Plywood Shells with Exposed Birch Edge This r...
Leather
Eames Soft-Pad Executive Chair in Smoke Gray Leather by Herman Miller
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Stamford, CT
The great portfolio of Charles & Ray Eames is widely celebrated and serves as a model of inspiration for designers to this day. One of their most recognizable designs is the Aluminum...
Aluminum
1st Generation Eames LKX Lounge Wire Mesh Side Chair 1951
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Detroit, MI
Hard-to-find First Generation Eames LKX (Low/Wire/X-base) lounge chairs, only made one year with this configuration; 1951. Made by Charles & Ray Eames for He...
Steel, Wire
$858 / item
Vintage Eames Fiberglass Navy Blue Chairs
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Geneva, CH
Vintage fiberglass Eames navy blue dowel dining chairs. Perfect condition. New solid walnut dowel bases from Modern Conscience. Price per item.
Fiberglass
$1,120Sale Price|20% Off
Eames Molded Plywood Lounge Chair Metal Base (LCM), 1950s
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Centreville, VA
The Eames LCM (Lounge Chair Metal) features sheets of premium face veneer on both sides of the seat and back. The wide variety of wood available adds to the versatility and beauty of...
Plywood
First Generation Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller DCM Dining Chairs in Ash
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare and exceptional set of six early transitional DCM (Dining Chair Metal) chairs designed by Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller / Evans Products. These examples, crafted in as...
Steel, Zinc
$1,800Sale Price / item|20% Off
Original 1958 Charles & Ray Eames / Miller Swivel Chair on Casters Model EA 105
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Markington, GB
Eames Aluminium Group EA105 Chairs by Charles & Ray Eames, 1958 (Originals) ICONIC DESIGN CLASSICS — A stunning set of original Aluminium Group chairs, model EA105, designed in...
Metal, Aluminum
1970s Olive Green Dark Fiberglass Side Chair by Charles and Ray Eames
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Wesseling, DE
Beautiful original vintage Fiberglass Side Chair produced by Herman Miller, featuring the highly desirable stackable chrome base and an elegant olive green dark fiberglass shell. Pr...
Metal
Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller – Swiveling Parchment Fiberglass Arm Chair
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Dronten, NL
An original 1960s swiveling fiberglass arm chair designed by Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller. This highly desirable early production example features the classic parchment-colo...
Aluminum
La Fonda Chairs by Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller, 1960s
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in New York, NY
Set of two La Fonda chairs designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller during the 1960s. The designers set to work on this model in response to a request from their friend A...
Aluminum
2001 Herman Miller Eames Aluminum Group Management Desk Chair in Green Leather
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Aluminum Group Management Desk Chair, Model EA335, originally designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller in 1958. These particular examples date to 2001. The desi...
Aluminum, Steel
2012 Herman Miller Eames DSR Plastic Dining Chair 6x Available
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a pair of DSR Chairs, originally designed by Ray and Charles Eames in 1951 for Herman Miller. These particular examples were produced in 2012. The chairs feature plastic shel...
Steel
1997 Herman Miller Eames Management Soft Pad Desk Chair in Black Leather
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Eames Aluminum Group Soft Pad Management Desk Chair, Model EA435, originally designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller in 1969. These examples date to the year 1...
Aluminum, Steel
Charles and Ray Eames Molded Plywood Lounge Chair Metal Base (LCM) for Herman Mi
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Sacramento, CA
Iconic Charles and Ray Eames LCM (Lounge Chair Metal) lounge chair. Originally released in 1946 by the Evans Plywood Company, the design was taken over by Herman Miller in 1949 and h...
Steel
2020s Herman Miller Eames Aluminum Group Management Desk Chair, Burgundy Leather
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Eames Aluminum Group Management Desk Chair, Model EA335, initially designed by Ray and Charles Eames for Herman Miller in 1958. This example was produced in 2020s, and the...
Aluminum
One Eames Aluminum Group Side Chair Vicenza Leather Cream Herman Miller 2015
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Miami, FL
one original Eames Aluminum Group Side Chair in Vicenza Leather Cream. 360-degree swivel. Made by Herman Miler 2015. Four chairs available.
Aluminum
Herman Miller Eames White Leather Aluminum Group Office Desk Chair
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Elegant, efficient, comfortable, and iconic. The perfect desk chair. Creamy white leather with polished aluminum frame. Presents well with even color. Signed and guaranteed authentic...
Aluminum
1995 Herman Miller Eames Soft Pad Executive Desk Chair in Black Leather
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Eames Aluminum Group Soft Pad Executive Desk Chair, Model EA437, originally designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller in 1969. These examples date to the year 19...
Aluminum
Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller Mid Century Wheeled Shell Chair
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller Mid Century Wheeled Shell Chair This chair measures: 18.5 wide x 24 deep x 32 high, with a seat height of ...
Metal
2003 Herman Miller Eames Soft Pad Executive Desk Chair in Black Leather
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Eames Aluminum Group Executive-Height Soft Pad Desk Chair, originally designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller in 1969. These particular examples date to 2003. ...
Aluminum
Eames Time Life Lobby Chair ES105 by Charles & Ray Eames
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Chicago, IL
Eames Time Life Lobby Chair ES105 by Charles & Ray Eames, 1970. Black leather has beautiful patina. All original with 1 small tear in seat. Measures 30.5" tall 26.5" wide 28" d...
Leather
Pair of Charles and Ray Eames Swivel Padded Arm Shell Chairs, Two-Tone
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Buffalo, NY
Pair of Charles and Ray Eames swivel padded arm shell chairs, unusual color combination, early brown exposed fiberglass shells. Mustard yellow fabric covers, gray piping, early four ...
Aluminum
2017 Herman Miller Eames Soft Pad Executive Desk Chair with Pneumatic Base
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Eames Aluminum Group Soft Pad Executive Desk Chair, Model EA437, originally designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller in 1969. These examples were produced in 20...
Aluminum
1960's Eames DCM Chair by Herman Miller
By Charles Eames, Herman Miller, Ray Eames, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The iconic mid-century modern DCM chair designed by Herman Miller for the Eames company is a standout of 1960s design. Simple designs with two bentwood pieces making the seat and bac...
Metal, Chrome
2000s Herman Miller Eames Executive Soft Pad Desk Chair in Green Leather
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These are Eames Aluminum Group Soft Pad Executive Desk Chairs, Model EA437, initially designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller in 1969. These pieces date to the 2000s. The...
Aluminum
Herman Miller Eames Molded Fiberglass Shell Side Chair
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Baltimore, MD
Mid-Century Modern early vintage molded fiberglass shell side chair designed by Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller. Features molded fiberglass reinforced plastic shell accente...
Metal
Eames Aluminum Group Chairs by Charles and Ray Eames
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in New York, NY
An iconic and architecturally significant offering, this set of four EA331 Aluminum Group Chairs was designed by the visionary partnership of Charles and Ray Eames. Originally concei...
Aluminum
2006 Herman Miller Eames Soft Pad Management Desk Chair in Grey Leather
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These are Eames Aluminum Group Soft Pad Management Chairs, Model EA435, initially designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller in 1969. These particular examples date to 2006....
Aluminum, Steel
Eames LCW Plywood Lounge Chairs in Walnut & Herman Miller Blue Fabric, Pair
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Stamford, CT
The celebrated portfolio of Charles and Ray Eames continues to inspire designers to this day. Early in their mission to create furniture for the masses, the Eameses explored innovati...
Fabric, Upholstery, Walnut, Plywood
$1,705Sale Price / item|24% Off
Eames Aluminium Group EA105 Chairs by Charles & Ray Eames, 1958 (Originals)
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Markington, GB
Eames Aluminium Group EA105 Chairs by Charles & Ray Eames, 1958 (Originals) ICONIC DESIGN CLASSICS — A stunning set of original Aluminium Group chairs, model EA105, designed i...
Metal, Aluminum
1970s Herman Miller Eames Time Life Lobby Chair in Cognac Leather
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Eames Time Life Lobby Chair, model ES105, designed in 1960 by Charles and Ray Eames. The chair was designed for the Time Life Building in New York. This model is slightly ...
Aluminum
1990 Herman Miller Eames Aluminum Pad Management Desk Chair in Hopsack Fabric
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These are Eames Aluminum Group Soft Pad Management Chairs, Model EA435, originally designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller in 1969. These examples date to the year 1990. ...
Aluminum
$2,250 / set
Early Eames Bent Walnut DCW for Herman Miller
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A pair of very well grained early bent walnut plywood side chairs designed by the iconic team of Ray and Charles Eames . These sculptural chairs are part o...
Walnut
2010s Herman Miller Eames Soft Pad Management Desk Chair in Blue Leather
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Eames Aluminum Group Soft Pad Management Desk Chair, Model EA435, initially designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller in 1969. This example dates to the 2010s. I...
Aluminum
2022 Herman Miller Eames DAW Dining Chair with Yellow Fabric Seat & Eiffel Base
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Eames DAW Chair, originally designed by Ray and Charles Eames in 1950. These particular examples were produced by Herman Miller in the USA in 2022...
Steel
Charles Eames, Lounge Chair in black leather by Herman Miller
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Argelato, BO
Eames Lounge is probably one of the most famous armchair designs in the world. The design couple Charles and Ray Eames designed it in 1956 for Herman Miller. It was the first chair ...
Leather, Wood, Walnut